Ciara looks absolutely incredible on the cover of Shape magazine’s September 2015 issue.
The 29 year old entertainer and mommy is an inspiration to anyone who’s trying to lose weight, or even tone their body. While pregnant with baby Future, Ciara gained 60 pounds and was able to lose it just months after giving birth. In the issue, Ciara reveals her secrets to losing weight, her love for boxing and success.
On losing the 60 pounds she gained throughout her pregnancy: “When I was pregnant with Future Jr., one thing I learned quickly was, don’t ever let a pregnant lady be hungry, because when I was, I was like the Tasmanian Devil! But as soon as the doctor said I could start training again, I was on the treadmill the very next day. I would go to Gunnar first for my one-hour training session, then I’d have two more cardio sessions later in the day. That, along with a really clean eating plan, was how I lost 60 pounds in four months.”
On her go-to diet mantra: “I have a mantra, ‘The food isn’t going anywhere.’ You know those days when you think you have to have that plate of pasta right now? When I’m trying to be good, I take a minute to ask myself, Do you really need to eat all this crazy stuff? It will still be around if you really want it later.”
On her love for boxing: “Gunnar puts me through an hour-long plyometric cardio circuit that always includes boxing elements. What’s amazing is that you’re getting three-in-one training: It’s hitting your muscles; it’s a cardiovascular workout; and it’s a mental exercise. You have to be superfocused when you’re boxing. After I’ve done a few rounds, I feel as if I can conquer the world.”
On her personal version of success: “Success begins with self-belief. Once you’ve got that, then you have to envision what you want to achieve. There’s a video of me at my high school graduation, and when I was asked where I thought I’d be in a year, I said, ‘I see myself having a number-one record.’ A year later, “Goodies” was number one and sold five million copies. Four years ago, I wrote down that I wanted to be the face of a fashion campaign, and this fall, I’ll be the new face for designer Roberto Cavalli. I truly believe that if you put your goals in writing, speak them out loud, and work for them, they will happen.”
